Diane deGroat Author/IllustratorDiane deGroat Author/Illustrator
Diane deGroat grew up in New Jersey. She attended Pratt Institute, graduating in 1969 with a BFA in commercial art. She started her career at Holt, Rinehart, and Winston, designing their first basic reading series, K-8. Since 1972, Ms. deGroat has free-lanced in advertising, editorial, and design, but the main focus of her work has been in children's book illustration, with over 120 books so far. Many titles are for well-known authors such as Eve Bunting, Lois Lowry, Johanna Hurwitz, and even Dr. Ruth. Her most recent challenge has been writing and illustrating her own stories.
Her best selling picture books from Harper include:
Trick or Treat, Smell My Feet, and Roses are Pink, Your Feet Really Stink, an IRA-CBC Children's Choice and State Children's Book Award winner in Arkansas and North Carolina.Diane deGroat resides in Amherst, MA, where she works at home in her custom studio. She enjoys gardening, taxidermy, and sleeping late.
Coming Soon 2009
Pre-order ISBN-10: 0061430420 ISBN-13: 978-0061430428 
New Book 2008
Mother, You're the Best! (But Sister, You're a Pest!) by Diane deGroat Reading level: Ages 4-8 Library Binding: 32 pages Publisher: HarperCollins (March 11, 2008)
ISBN-10: 0061239003 ISBN-13: 978-0061239007
It's Mother's Day, and Gilbert wants to show his mother that she's the best! But nothing he does seems to work out quite right. To make matters worse, his little sister always manages to be in the way! Can Gilbert ever have his mother all to himself today? But more importantly, can he make this Mother's Day truly special?
Diane deGroat's heartfelt story and endearing illustrations will resonate with any reader who has ever had to share a parent's attention with a sibling.
Current Titles
Last One in Is a Rotten Egg by Diane deGroat Reading level: All Ages Hardcover: 32 pages Publisher: HarperCollins (February 1, 2007) 
ISBN-13: 978-0060892944 ISBN: 0060892943
Gilbert and Lola are excited. Their cousin Wally is coming for a visit—just in time for the Easter egg hunt! But they soon learn how competitive Wally has become. He has to eat the fastest, be first on line, and find the most eggs, no matter who gets hurt. How can Gilbert deal with such relentless rivalry?
In this humorous and encour-aging story by Diane deGroat, Gilbert—everyone's favorite opossum—teaches Wally who the rotten egg really is!
Editorial Reviews
From School Library Journal In this 10th book about Gilbert, the young opossum and his sister are excited about their cousin's visit. They soon realize, however, that having Wally around isn't as much fun as they had imagined. He is so competitive that he turns everything into a contest. "Last one in is a rotten egg" is his favorite phrase, which he yells while running to beat the others at whatever activity is taking place, even getting to the lunch table first. The children attend an Easter egg hunt and Wally fills his basket quickly while Gilbert takes the time to help his little sister search for eggs. Lola spots the golden egg, which signifies a prize, but neither she nor Gilbert can reach it high in a tree. Wally takes it from its perch but instead of giving it to Lola, keeps it for himself. In the end, Lola wins her prize, Wally learns to share, and the three become friends. Pastel, cartoon-style watercolor illustrations depict the activities while revealing the small town's populace made up of raccoons, porcupines, rabbits, cats, and dogs. Children will relate to the story, which imparts a gentle lesson on how to be a friend.—Maryann H. Owen, Racine Public Library, WI Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
No More Pencils, No More Books, No More Teacher's Dirty Looks! by Diane deGroat (Illustrator) Reading level: Ages 4-8 Hardcover: 32 pages Publisher: HarperCollins (April 25, 2006) 
ISBN: 0060791152
It's the last day of school! Gilbert is excited about summer vacation, but first there's the class party, and Mrs. Byrd will give out the end-of-the-year awards. But will Gilbert even get one? Patty's the best speller. Philip's the best reader. What is Gilbert best at?
Humorous and reassuring, this story by Diane deGroat perfectly captures the bittersweet emotions of the last day of school. As Gilbert's class says good-bye to Mrs. Byrd, she reminds each of them how special they really are. And that she will miss them very, very much!
Brand-new Pencils, Brand-new Books
by Diane deGroat (Illustrator)
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: HarperCollins; 1st edition (July 1, 2005)
ISBN: 006072613X
It's the first day of first grade! Gilbert is excited and nervous at the same time. He has new school supplies -- but he'll also get a new teacher, and new kids in his class. Will the teacher be nice? Will Patti still be his best friend?
In this humorous and reassuring story by Diane deGroat, Gilbert learns that first grade is not what he had expected. Lewis is a bully, and Philip already knows how to read big fat books! But Mrs. Byrd is nice, and she helps Gilbert discover that everyone has his or her own special talent.
Editorial Reviews
From Kirkus Reviews deGroat ably threads her way through some well-trod ground: the first day of school. Gilbert, our favorite opossum, has a classic case of the willies as he sets out on his first day of school: Will the teacher be nice, will he be able to do the work, will he make friends? Luckily, he already has one good friend, but then there are all those other unfamiliar faces, one belonging to the loud, bullying Lewis. Then the school day gradually begins to fall into place and Gilbert finds a comfortable niche therein: a new friend, an enjoyable playground, a book to read that is a pleasing challenge. He also learns that Mr., Pug, the principal, isn't grumpy. Pugs just always look grumpy. de Groat's watercolors—with their easygoing charm —evolve from expectant to relaxed as the kids find what first-graders have always found: School rarely meets their dire predictions, and even kids like Lewis have their time-honored place. Jun 15, 2005 -
Lola Hides the Eggs by Diane deGroat (Author and Illustrator) Reading level: Ages 4-8 Paperback: 16 pages Publisher: Harper Festival (February 1, 2005) 
ISBN: 0060583908
This Easter Lola is putting on her bunny ears to hide eggs for her family. Soon all the eggs are found -- except one.Where could it be?
Lola's Trick or Treat
by Diane deGroat
Reading level: Baby-Preschool
Edition: Paperback, 16 pages
Publisher: Harper Festival
Liftflap edition (September 1, 2004)
ISBN: 0060583894
Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire by Diane deGroat (Illustrator) Reading level: Ages 4-8 Edition: Hardcover 32 pages Publisher: SeaStar Books; (February 2003)
ISBN: 1587172143
When Mrs. Byrd tells Gilbert’s class that they’re going to be doing plays about famous people, Gilbert’s heart sinks. Plays make him nervous – what if he forgets his lines? So when he lands the role of George Washington in a play about the cherry tree, he’s determined to do it without any mistakes. But when his most important prop goes missing right before the show, Gilbert loses his cool and looks to blame anyone but himself.
The seventh story about this most beloved opossum is a wise and funny tale of truth and lies – and butterflies! – that’s a perfect tie-in for President’s Day, Independence Day, and school units on biography.
Editorial Reviews
From Booklist Okay, so the story of George Washington's cutting down the cherry tree has been proven more hagiography than biography, but this story, in which Gilbert the opossum plays Washington in the familiar incident, is so much fun allowances can be made. Gilbert isn't crazy about his role; he would prefer to be the tree so he doesn't blow any lines. Against the rules, he brings his Washington hat home to better practice his part, but he goes overboard with the story's signature line, as when his mother feeds him a new soup: "I cannot tell a lie. I don't like it." The next day he forgets to bring the hat back, and he implies Philip took it. He then gets a good lesson in the importance of telling the truth (and another in forgiveness, from Philip) that brings the story full circle. Fans of previous books about Gilbert, such as Trick or Treat, Smell My Feet (1998), will appreciate Gilbert's return, and new readers will be drawn right in by the humorous text, the sprightly art with its all-animal cast, and the message that peeks through the fun. Ilene Cooper
Copyright American Library Association. All rights reserved
Love, Lola by Diane deGroat Reading level: Baby-Preschool Edition: Paperback 16 pages Publisher: Night Sky Books; (January 2003) 
ISBN: 1590140826
Meet Lola, the younger sister of Gilbert, star of Diane de Groat's popular picture-book series. Lola has a special dress-up box, filled with wonderful things that help her celebrate every holiday in style. Lola's adventures will entertain and amuse readers again and again.
Lola secretly delivers valentines to everyone she loves-even Gilbert. But the biggest surprise of all is addressed to Lola herself!
Lola the Elf by Diane deGroat Reading level: Baby-Preschool Edition: Paperback 16 pages Publisher: Night Sky Books; (January 2003) 
ISBN: 1590140818
Meet Lola, the younger sister of Gilbert, star of Diane de Groat's popular picture-book series. Lola has a special dress-up box, filled with wonderful things that help her celebrate every holiday in style. Lola's adventures will entertain and amuse readers again and again.
With a hat and sack from her dress-up box, Lola decides to be an elf and help everyone get ready for Christmas-with hilarious results.
Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly Diane deGroat's school-going possum, Gilbert (hero of the series including Roses Are Pink, Your Feet Really Stink), plays second fiddle to his little sister, Lola, in Lola the Elf, which inaugurates the Lola's Dress-up Box books. When Lola decides to be a helpful "elf" as her parents make Christmas Eve preparations, gatefold flaps unfold reveal the humorous, less-than-helpful results. Ages 3-6. Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Gus & Gertie and the Lucky Charms by Joan Lowery Nixon, Diane deGroat (Illustrator), Reading level: Ages 4-8 Edition: Paperback 48 pages Publisher: SeaStar Books; (October 2002) 
ISBN: 1587171589
The slapstick sequel to Gus & Gertie and the Missing Pearl is now available in paperback! Gus and Gertie arrive at the Animals’ Winter Olympics with dreams of winning gold as Antarctica’s first synchronized swimming team. But first they find out that swimming isn’t even an event at the winter games, and then Gertie’s good-luck pin gets stolen-along with the other athletes’ lucky charms. Can readers find the clues hidden in Gus’s snapshots and help solve the crime?
Editorial Reviews
From School Library Journal ...While the characters mimic human life, they retain some natural traits, from the prickly hedgehog official to the tiny information mouse. This story is fun and offers a challenge to sift through many details. deGroat's bright watercolor illustrations reflect the bustling winter scenes, with animals that convey lots of emotion as they mimic human activity, reinforcing the text with charm and pizzazz. Let Gus and Gertie join the ranks of Pinky and Rex and Cam Jansen as a bridge from easy-readers to chapter books. Laura Scott, Baldwin Public Library, Birmingham, MI Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
From Booklist ... the story moves along at just the right pace for readers making a transition to longer chapter books, and there's plenty of humor to match the suspense. The expressive, silly animal athletes in deGroat's color illustrations will help keep new readers engaged in this light but appealing offering that is just in time for the 2002 Olympics. Gillian Engberg Copyright American Library Association. All rights reserved
Good Night, Sleep Tight, Don't Let the Bedbugs Bite! by Diane deGroat, Reading level: Ages 4-8. Hardcover: 32 pages; (May 2002) Publisher: Seastar Books; 
ISBN: 1587171287
Gilbert's day camp is going on an overnight trip, and Gilbert expects nothing but fun. But when loudmouthed Lewis tells him about the Camp Hi-Dee-Ho ghost, he can't help but feel a little nervous. And when he has to go outside in the middle of the night, it looks like he may have to confront his fears face-to-face!
Perfect for anyone who has every been afraid of the dark or who has dreaded that first night away from home, Diane deGroat's sixth book about Gilbert proves that we can be brave, even in the most unexpected places.
Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly DeGroat's latest clever caper starring Gilbert the opossum (Roses Are Pink, Your Feet Really Stink) finds the fellow on an overnight trip to Camp Hi-Dee-Ho. He stoically refuses to pack his teddy ("Sleep-away camp is for big kids") and puts up a brave front when big-mouth fellow camper Lewis trots out some typical camp-related taunts, announcing that a ghost haunts Hi-Dee-Ho and calling the lemonade "bug juice." Around the campfire, after an older kid relates the tale of the alleged ghost, Lewis sneaks up on Gilbert and scares him with a loud "BOO!" In the cabin after lights-out, the hero tightly hugs his teddy (which his mother has slipped into his sleeping bag). DeGroat suspensefully prolongs a nighttime trip to the outdoor bathroom along a dark path lined with threatening-looking trees and, in a signature twist, Gilbert gets a chance to give Lewis his comeuppance. Numerous droll particulars, including Gilbert's Martian-and-spaceship-patterned pajamas and the likable lad's hyperbolic facial expressions will keep readers coming back for more. Those anticipating with or without some anxiety an inaugural camp experience especially will revel in this realistic yet reassuring visit to Hi-Dee-Ho. Ages 5-8. Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
Annie Pitts, Artichoke by Diane deGroat Reading level: Ages 9-12 - 80 pages Reprint edition (April 2001) Seastar Pub Co; 
Paperback ISBN: 1587170434
Hardcover ISBN: 1587170426 
During a class trip to the supermarket, Annie Pitts almost puts an end to her acting career before it even gets off the ground when she throws a dead fish at her enemy Matthew. As punishment, she's served up the least appetizing part in the school play on nutrition: the artichoke. But Annie proves that the show must go on, even when the actors forget their lines...or fall flat on their backs!
Editorial Reviews
From Booklist "Amusing and highly palatable reading fare, with sprightly, realistically drawn illustrations that enhance the book's energy and fun."
Annie Pitts, Swamp Monster by Diane deGroat, Reading level: Ages 9-12 - 112 pages (April 2001) Seastar Pub Co; 
Paperback ISBN: 1587170450 
Hardcover ISBN: 1587170442 
Annie Pitts puts her artichoke costume to good use once again when she lands the part of the swamp monster in a high school student's low-budget horror movie. Could this finally be her big break? But, as usual, things don't work out as planned for the spunky redheaded heroine when the outtakes end up as a submission for America's Funniest Halloween Bloopers!
Editorial Reviews
From Booklist This entertaining sequel to Annie Pitts, Artichoke (1992) is sure to earn new fans for author-illustrator deGroat. The plot is wonderfully silly but believable, the dialogue is snappy and truly childlike, the black-and-white illustrations are delightful, and the short chapters will appeal to young readers. Third-grader Annie and her pesky classmate Matthew McGill have been cast as the title characters in Daughter of the Swamp Monster Meets Son of the Mummy, a very low-budget horror film written by Matthew's brother. Because Annie is positive her role will lead to a lucrative acting career, she puts everything on hold (including a biography report) while she researches her part and creates her costume and an attitude to match. The filming doesn't run quite the way she imagined, though, and the children's decision to "borrow" the videotape and present it as their assignment is a hilarious disaster. Chris Sherman
Annie Pitts, Burger Kid by Diane deGroat, Reading level: Ages 9-12, Hardcover - 80 pages (October 2000) Seastar Pub Co; 
ISBN: 1587170159 
Annie Pitts, future actress extraordinaire, wants nothing more than to be chosen as the new Burger Barn poster kid, and she can't wait until the auditions on the day after Thanksgiving. Winning the contest would certainly impress her snooty cousin, Mercedes, and her pesky classmate, Matthew. But first she has to make it through a harrowing Thanksgiving dinner with both Matthew and Mercedes at the table!
With her appetite for amusing antics, the irrepressible Annie Pitts has it her way in this deliciously enjoyable comedy.
Popular Favorites
Roses Are Pink, Your Feet Really Stink by Diane deGroat Reading level: Ages 4-8 Library Binding (February 1996) William Morrow & Co Reading level: Ages 4-8 
ISBN: 0688136052
When Gilbert writes two not-so-nice valentines to his classmates, his prank quickly turns into pandemonium. But there's always time for a change of heart of Valentine's Day. This warm and funny book about a favorite holiday also provides a subtle message about forgiveness and being a good friend. Ages 5 up.
Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly, The winning touch here is deGroat's characteristically buoyant watercolor art, which features an amiable crew of assorted animals, many festively clad in Valentine's Day -- appropriate reds and pinks.
From Kirkus Reviews A sympathetic look at the small hurts in life and the importance of second chances.
From the Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books There's often a little drizzle on much-anticipated holiday parades: this cozy and reassuring story understands that but knows that holidays and friendships are still worth celebrating.
From School Library Journal Human foibles humorously yet accurately revealed are given practical, realistic nondidactic solutions.
From Booklist , Gilbert, a chipmunkish critter, has to write valentine poems for each of his classmates because his teacher says that Valentine's Day is about liking each other. He enjoys writing the cards for his friends, but for two mean kids in his class, Lewis and Margaret, he writes the worst cards he can ("Roses are red, you wet your bed, I think that you have rocks in your head" ). After the initial uproar, the hostility is finally turned around with good humor and with lots of nonsense and forgiveness. The rabbit, skunk, bear, and porcupine characters display droll, very human classroom behavior. Kids will enjoy all the rhymes, and they'll want to make up their own playful parodies, both mushy and mean. Hazel Rochman Copyright 1996, American Library Association. All rights reserved From Horn Book
From Horn Book On Valentine's Day, Gilbert gets even with a pair of troublesome classmates by writing mean-spirited messages on their cards. When he is ostracized, he makes amends by creating nicer cards in time for the Valentine's party. The light tone is matched by the amusing illustrations of Gilbert and his schoolmates, who are portrayed as anthropomorphized animals. -- Copyright 1996 The Horn Book, Inc. All rights reserved.
Trick or Treat, Smell My Feet by Diane deGroat, Reading level: Ages 4-8 Hardcover - 32 pages (September 1998) Morrow Junior; 
ISBN: 0688157661
Editorial Reviews
From Booklist September 1, 1998 deGroat's Roses Are Pink, Your Feet Really Stink! (1996) is a funny classroom romp about Valentine's Day. The holiday this time is Halloween. Chipmunk Gilbert and his little sister, Lola, prepare their costumes. She's a ballerina, but she wants to be just like him, a space pilot. By mistake he takes the bag with her ballerina costume to school for the parade. He's appalled, but when he discovers that most of his classmates are space pilots, he makes the most of being different, and he twirls triumphantly in his pink tutu to the refreshment table. Of course, then Lulu wants her costume back. De Groat's funny watercolor pictures capture the various animal creatures' very human expressions and body language; and the parade of pig, owl, penguin, duck, rabbit, bear, etc., in outlandish garb captures the dressing-up farce of the holiday. Hazel Rochman Copyright 1998, American Library Association. All rights reserved
From Horn Book Gilbert's good-natured blunderings make for a kid-appealing Halloween treat. -- Copyright 1998 The Horn Book, Inc. All rights reserved.
Happy Birthday to You, You Belong in a Zoo Diane deGroat, author and illustrator, Reading level: Ages 4-8 Hardcover - 32 pages (August 1999) Morrow Junior; 
ISBN: 0688165443
Gilbert can't believe that Lewis, the class meanie, has invited him to his birthday party. Could they be friends after all? When Lewis proves to be just as rotten as ever, Gilbert plots to give Lewis a present he really deserves-but an even bigger surprise is in store for Gilbert! This follow-up to the first two hits starring everyone's favorite opossum addresses issues of friendship and generosity with deGroat's renowned honesty and child-pleasing humor.
Editorial Reviews
From Booklist, Gilbert, a young possum, is invited to a birthday party. That would normally be good news, but the party is for Lewis, a tough kid at school who isn't very nice to Gilbert. Shopping with his mother, Gilbert realizes he doesn't want to get anything nice for Lewis, so he tells his mother to purchase a frying pan as a gift. At the party, Gilbert has fun and feels guilty about giving Lewis a substandard present. However, when Lewis opens Gilbert's present, it's a cool Martian spaceship with flashing lights and rocket noises. Mom has saved the day, subtly teaching Gilbert a lesson about being sensitive and kind. Both story and watercolor pictures excel at capturing the anguish that children often feel as they try to learn the social game. Gilbert can also be seen in Trick or Treat, Smell My Feet (1998) and Roses Are Pink, Your Feet Really Stink (1996). Kathy Broderick Copyright 1999, American Library Association. All rights reserved
Jingle Bells, Homework Smells by Diane deGroat Reading level: Ages 4-8 Hardcover - 32 pages (October 2000) Harpercollins Juvenile Books; 
ISBN: 0688175430
It's almost Christmas, and Gilbert finds it hard to pay attention in school. When Mrs. Byrd gives the class homework for the weekend, Gilbert just can't seem to find the time to do it. After all, this is a busy season. He has to help his mother and sister bake Christmas cookies. He also has to make time to go ice skating with his friends. And the tree has to be decorated too!
Editorial Reviews
From School Library Journal "...Gilbert's dilemma is a common one and most readers will appreciate his last-minute attempt to appease his teacher..."
We Gather Together...Now Please Get Lost! by Diane deGroat Reading level: Ages 4-8 - 32 pages (August 2001) Seastar Books; 
Hardcover ISBN: 1587170957
Editorial Reviews
From Booklist It's Thanksgiving time in this fifth book featuring Gilbert, the hapless porcupine. He's excited about his class visit to Pilgrim Town, but on the day of the field trip, he gets up late and he has to partner with the only kid left--goony Philip. Pilgrim Town is a neat place, but Gilbert spends most of his time trying to ditch Philip, who is a tattletale as well as a nerd ("I'm telling Mrs. Byrd that you called me a tattle-tale"). Gilbert hides out in the bathroom, only to get locked in. Will the partner he's been avoiding all day try to find him? As in Roses Are Pink, Your Feet Really Stink (1996) and the other books about Gilbert and his multispecies class, deGroat captures the ups and downs of school life. Much of the humor in the art comes from the kids; gangly Philip, a goose-boy, dressed like an adult in a trench coat, is a case in point. At the end, Philip does go searching for Gilbert and saves the day. The last scene, in which the classmates dressed as pilgrims enjoy a thankful lunch, will resonate with children. Ilene Cooper Copyright American Library Association. All rights reserved
From School Library Journal . ..... this low-key story captures the emotions and behavior of early elementary students. deGroat's watercolor illustrations add charm and humor to the straightforward text. The home and school environments are cozy and familiar, while details of the park scenes offer potential topics for further discussion. Teachers and librarians in search of a fun read-aloud for Thanksgiving (a rare bird indeed) will welcome this title.Lisa Dennis, The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, PA Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
One Small Dog by Johanna Hurwitz, Diane deGroat (Illustrator), Reading level: Ages 9-12 Hardcover - 112 pages (August 2000) Harpercollins Juvenile Books; 
ISBN: 0688173829
When Curtis's parents get divorced, he has a hard time getting used to all the changes. But there is one thing that will make him feel better--a dog. At the animal shelter, Curtis finds Sammy, a friendly puppy with curly black fur, floppy ears, and perfect white teeth. He is sure he has chosen the very best dog in the whole shelter. But when Sammy bites Curtis's mom, Curtis must face the reality that his puppy might not be so perfect after all. Beloved author Johanna Hurwitz writes with sensitivity about adjusting to a new family situation and the dilemma of loving a problem pet.This touching story will have Hurwitz fans wondering: Will Curtis have to give Sammy up? Or will he do whatever it takes to keep his new best friend?
Editorial Reviews
From The Horn Book "...told with her customary empathy and clear style while stretching boundaries a bit for her readers."
Pots and Pans by Patricia Hubbell, Diane deGroat (Illustrator), Reading level: Baby-Preschool Paperback - 24 pages (June 1998) HarperCollins Juvenile Books; 
ISBN: 0694010723
Editorial Reviews
From Kirkus Reviews , May 26, 1998 This boisterous picture book, a kindred spirit to Eve Merriam's Bam Bam Bam (1995), is a rollicking salute to the utter chaos created by a curious tot let loose in the kitchen. Skillfully epitomizing the boundless inquisitiveness of toddlers, Hubbell describes the exuberant explorations of one mischievous child. Bouncy rhymes crescendo with the growing excitement of a baby as it experiments with different objects: hitting, slamming, and banging them together, creating a cacophony of sound. Children will enjoy ``reading'' the sound effects, set in a bold typeface that stands out from the rest of the text. DeGroat's colorful illustrations humorously depict the antics of a cat, a dog, and a baby as they revel in this lively impromptu performance. (Board book. 1-3) -- Copyright 1998, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.
Gus & Gertie and the Missing Pearl by Joan Lowery Nixon, Diane deGroat (Illustrator), Reading level: Ages 4-8 Hardcover - 48 pages (September 2000) Seastar Pub Co 
ISBN: 1587170221
FEATURED IN "The Original Art" show
at the Society of Illustrators Dec. 6 - Jan. 6
When Gus and Gertie arrive on Holiday Island, they find a haven of seagoing scallywags, riffraff, and ruffians. It isn't long before Gertie's precious deep-sea pearl is stolen--but who's to blame? The culprit is revealed by clues cleverly hidden in Gus's hastily taken snapshots. Can readers crack the case before it's too late? Joan Lowery Nixon's mysterious high jinks and Diane deGroat's rowdy cast of characters create a fast-paced whodunit for newly independent readers.
A Turkey for Thanksgiving by Diane deGroat (Illustrator), Eve Bunting (Author) Paperback: 32 pages Publisher: Clarion Books; (September 1995)
ISBN: 0395742129
School & Library Binding: (September 1991)
ISBN: 0899197930
Mr. and Mrs. Moose invite all their animal friends for Thanksgiving dinner and the only one missing is Turkey. When they set out to find him, Turkey is quaking with fear because he doesn't realize that his hosts want him at their table, not on it.
Editorial Reviews
From School Library Journal Mrs. Moose's suggestion to Mr. Moose that they have a turkey for Thanksgiving dinner ends in a surprising twist, in a humorous and cheerful tale captured in warm watercolors full of the hues of autumn. Reprint. AB. SLJ. PW.
Little Rabbit's Loose Tooth by Lucy Bate, Diane deGroat (Illustrator) Paperback: Publisher: Crown Pub; Reissue edition (December 1988) 
ISBN: 0517551225
Library Binding: Publisher: Bt Bound; (October 1999)
ISBN: 0881031321
When Little Rabbit's loose tooth finally comes out, she isn't convinced that the tooth fairy will really come.
Editorial Reviews
From Booklist * Starred * "Delightfully familiar family dialogue surrounds the momentous loss of a first tooth by a rabbit girl. Large-scale three-color drawings depict the same warm, homey details lodged in the text and clinch the book's sure appeal."--
Other Books
| Armadillos Sleep in Dugouts : And Other Places Animals Live by Pam Munoz Ryan, Diane deGroat (Illustrator), ISBN: 078680274X | Anna on the Farm, Downing Hahn author, Diane deGroat Illustrator 2001 Clarion |
| All About Sam, Lois Lowry, author, Diane deGroat Illustrator, 1998 Houghton Mifflin | Zooman Sam Lois Lowry author, Diane deGroat Illustrator, 2000, Houghton Mifflin |
| Hurricane Elaine, Johanna Hurwitz author, Diane deGroat Illustrator, 1986 Morrow | See You Around Sam Lois Lowry, author, Diane deGroat, illustrator, 1996, Houghton Mifflin, ISBN 0395816645 |
| How I Saved Hanukkah Amy Goldman Koss, author, Diane deGroat, illustrator, 1998 Dial ISBN= 0803722419 | Kinderkittens/ Who Took the Cookie from the Cookie Jar? Stephanie Calmenson, author, Diane deGroat, illustrator, 1996 Scholastic, ISBN= 059046350 |
| A Pinky Is a Baby Mouse and Other Baby Animal Names by Pam Munoz Ryan, Diane deGroat (Illustrator), 1997 Disney Press, ISBN: 0786802405 ; | Fruitflies, Fish and Fortune Cookies, Anne LeMieux, author, Diane deGroat, illustrator 1994, Tambourine, ISBN=0688132995 |
| Kinderkittens/ Show and Tell, Stephanie Calmenson, author, Diane deGroat, illustrator, 1996 Scholastic, ISBN 0590463497 | Sunshine Home Eve Bunting, author, Diane deGroat, illustrator, 1994, Clarion, ISBN 0395633095 |
| The Great Brain is Back! John D. Fitzgerald, author, Diane deGroat, illustrator, 1997, Dial, ISBN 0803713460 | It Goes Eeeeeeeeee! Jaime Gilson, author, Diane deGroat, illustrator, 1994, Clarion, ISBN 0395670632 |
| Anna All Year Round, Mary Downing Hahn, author, Diane deGroat, illustrator, Clarion Books ISBN: 0395869757 | Bug in a Rug by Jamie Gilson, Diane deGroat (Illustrator), (April 1998) Clarion Books; ISBN: 0395866162 |
| Dr. Ruth Talks to Kids Dr. Ruth Westheimer, author, Diane deGroat, illustrator, 1993, Macmillan, ISBN[ 0027925323 | Our Teacher's Having a Baby, Eve Bunting, author, Diane deGroat, illustrator, 1992, Clarion, ISBN 0395604702 |
| Never Trust a Sister Over Twelve, Stephen Roos, author, Diane deGroat, illustrator, 1993, Delacorte, ISBN 038531048X | Animal Fact/ Animal Fable, Seymour Simon, author, Diane deGroat, illustrator, 1979, Crown, ISBN 051753794X |
| Atta Boy Sam, Lois Lowry, author, Diane deGroat, illustrator, 1992, Houghton Mifflin, ISBN 0395615887 | The Great Summer Camp Catastrophe, Jean Van Leeuwen, author, Diane deGroat, illustrator, 1992, Dial, ISBN 0803711077 |
| Itchy Richard, Jaime Gilson, author, Diane deGroat, illustrator, 1991, Clarion, ISBN 0395592828 | Aldo Peanut Butter. Johanna Hurwitz, author, Diane deGroat, illustrator, 1990, Morrow, ISBN 0688097410 |
| The Flunking of Joshua T. Bates, Susan Shreve, author, Diane deGroat, illustrator, 1984, Clarion, ISBN 394863801 | DeDe Takes Charge, Johanna Hurwitz, author, Diane deGroat, illustrator, 1984, Morrow, ISBN 0688038530 |
| Tough Luck Karen, Johanna Hurwitz, author, Diane deGroat, illustrator, 1982, Morrow, ISBN 0688014852 | A complete list is available- please request from the author. |
For grades 2 and up:
My PowerPoint presentation explains everything you've ever wanted to know about children's book illustration, beginning with a tour of my studio as I explain materials and equipment. You'll learn how an illustration is conceived, sketched, and painted, step-by-step. How do I find my models? What kind of research do I use? (clip files, books, photos, computers, taxidermy!) How has modern technology changed my style of working? An overview of the writing process is also included, as well as explaining the importance of an editor’s role. This presentation is 45 to 60 minutes, and can be interactive for smaller groups.
For grades K and 1:
I read the latest Gilbert book (not yet in stores), or one of your old favorites. If desired, the page art can be projected on a screen, so that all the children can see the pictures. This session will usually take about 30 minutes.
Please contact the author for prices.
 | For more information, go to:Website http://www.dianedegroat.com Selected as one the ALA/ALSC Great Websites for Kids! (2008) |
Diane deGroat
P. O. Box 3245
Amherst, MA 01002
email: mailto:info@dianedegroat.com
Click Here for Children's Book Council Website 
To return to state page click HERE 07/19/08 date last edited